On the third Sunday of July, the residents of Venice celebrate the "Festa del Redentore." It is a cherished and highly anticipated celebration among the citizens, blending religious reverence with spectacular gastronomy, folklore, and fireworks displays. Set against the unparalleled backdrop of the Saint Mark's Basin, it is a feast of light, reflections, and cultural traditions. If you enjoy fireworks, you'll love this day.
Festival Highlights
Starting in the morning, you can see people all over the city decorating their porches, balconies, and boats with flowers, balloons, and garlands. At sunset, St. Mark's Bay begins to fill up with boats from all over Venice waiting for the festivities to begin. Traditionally, starting at 11 pm, the fireworks displays kick off and continue for the next 60 minutes. Pyrotechnic displays are launched from pontoons by the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
Best places to watch fireworks
Visitors can collectively experience the Feast of the Redeemer tradition from both land and water. Some opt for boats in the San Marco Basin, while others enjoy the spectacle from the banks or terraces, all against the backdrop of Venetian spires, domes, and bell towers. Giudecca offers long tables, balloons, lights, and decorations, along with traditional dishes cooked in preparation for this ritual celebration. After the fireworks, many spectators head to Lido Island, where people sit on the sand and wait for the sunrise.
History
On a Saturday evening prior to Festa del Redentore, the locals also construct a temporary 333-m bridge called Ponte Votivo. It connects the beautiful Church of the Redentore on the island of the Giudecca with the rest of Venice. The church was opened in 1592 to commemorate the end of plague epidemics. That was the first celebration of Festa del Redentore in Venice. Since then the special religious procession walks the bridge to the Redentore Church every year. Many people watch the ceremony from their boats or participate in large feasts organized right on the streets.
